Homemade Shrimp Balls: Fried, Boiled, or Soup-Ready

Growing up in a home where food was love, I learned early that simple, comforting dishes bring people together. At Eminent Recipes, I share recipes that are approachable yet full of flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Shrimp balls are one of those recipes: quick, customizable, and loved by all ages. Whether fried, boiled, or added to soups, this recipe blends fresh shrimp, fragrant seasonings, and easy techniques to create a memorable family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Shrimp balls are a versatile, family-friendly recipe perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or special occasions. This shrimp balls recipe combines fresh shrimp, fragrant garlic, and ginger with simple seasonings to create bite-sized delights that are both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Quick to make and easy to customize, these shrimp balls can be fried, boiled, or added to soups. Shrimp balls bring comfort, flavor, and fun to the table, making them a go-to seafood favorite for any occasion. They’re also great for meal prep or freezing for later, maintaining taste and texture. By following this shrimp balls recipe, you’ll enjoy a balanced, delicious dish that’s perfect for family meals or entertaining guests.

Ingredients for This Recipe

Each ingredient in this shrimp balls recipe contributes to flavor, texture, and ease. Fresh shrimp provides the base protein, while garlic, ginger, and green onions create fragrant layers. Cornstarch and egg white help bind the mixture for perfect, firm shrimp balls. Optional breadcrumbs add crunch, and soy sauce plus sesame oil enhance umami. For frying, vegetable oil ensures a golden, crispy finish. Pair with a sweet chili dipping sauce or soy-based sauce to complete this shrimp balls experience.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

For the Shrimp Balls:

1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 egg white
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra texture)

For Frying:

Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Optional Dipping Sauce:

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon sesame oil

How to Make This Recipe

Making shrimp balls is simple when you follow this step-by-step shrimp balls recipe. Begin by mincing or pulsing shrimp, keeping some texture for tender, flavorful bites. Mix in garlic, ginger, green onions, egg white, cornstarch, soy sauce, and seasonings. Shape the mixture into small, uniform balls for even cooking. Fry in hot vegetable oil until golden and crispy, or simmer in broth for soups. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. This shrimp balls recipe is quick, versatile, and perfect for family meals or entertaining.

🛒 Steps:

1. Mince or pulse shrimp until finely chopped.
2. Combine shrimp with garlic, ginger, green onions, egg white, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Optional: fold in breadcrumbs for extra texture.
4. Shape mixture into 1–1½ inch balls.
5. Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry in batches for 3–4 minutes until golden.
6. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
7. Optional: drop into simmering soup for shrimp balls in broth.

Expert Cooking Tips

To achieve perfect shrimp balls every time, use fresh or fully thawed shrimp. Avoid over-blending, which can result in a dense texture. Pat shrimp dry to remove excess moisture for better binding and frying. Adjust seasonings like soy sauce or sesame oil for stronger flavor, or add chili flakes for heat. Freeze uncooked shrimp balls on a tray, then store in a bag to cook later. Use an air fryer for a healthier alternative or simmer in soup for soft, tender shrimp balls. With these tips, your shrimp balls will be crispy, flavorful, and consistently delicious.

💡 Expert Tips:

• Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best texture.
• Do not over-process shrimp; maintain some chunkiness.
• Pat shrimp dry before mixing to prevent soggy shrimp balls.
• Adjust seasonings: more soy sauce, sesame oil, or spices to taste.
• Freeze uncooked shrimp balls on a tray before storing in a bag.
• Air fry for healthier shrimp balls or simmer in soup for soft texture.
• Fry in small batches for even golden color.

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Shrimp balls are a quick, versatile, and family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for weeknights, parties, or soups. This shrimp balls recipe uses fresh shrimp, fragrant seasonings, and simple techniques to create golden, flavorful bites every time. Whether fried, simmered, or air-fried, these shrimp balls are a comforting, customizable seafood favorite. With easy prep, expert tips, and flexible serving options, this recipe is designed to bring flavor, fun, and satisfaction to every table.

Shrimp Balls

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 20–24 shrimp balls 1x

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Description

Juicy, flavorful shrimp balls made with fresh shrimp, garlic, and simple seasonings. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these bite-sized seafood delights are perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or added to soups and noodle dishes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4–6):

For the Shrimp Balls:

1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
2 green onions, finely chopped
1 egg white
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra texture)

For Frying:

Vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Optional Dipping Sauce:

2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
½ teaspoon sesame oil

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
Pat shrimp dry and finely chop or pulse in a food processor until minced but slightly chunky (do not over-blend into paste).
Transfer to a bowl and mix with garlic, ginger, green onions, egg white, cornstarch, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until sticky and well combined. Fold in breadcrumbs if using.

Step 2: Shape the Balls
Lightly oil your hands and form the mixture into small balls (about 1–1½ inches wide). Place on a tray.

Step 3: Fry
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Carefully fry shrimp balls in batches for 3–4 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove and drain on paper towels.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

• Air Fryer: 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, lightly sprayed with oil.

• For Soup: Drop shaped balls directly into simmering broth and cook 4–5 minutes until floating and firm.

 

Step 4: Serve
Serve hot with dipping sauce or add to soups and noodle bowls.

Notes

✔ Do not over-process shrimp — texture is key.
✔ Make ahead: Shape and refrigerate up to 24 hours before cooking.
✔ Freezer-friendly: Freeze uncooked balls on a tray, then store in a bag up to 2 months. Cook from frozen (add 1–2 minutes extra).
✔ For extra flavor: Add a pinch of chili flakes or finely diced water chestnuts for crunch.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer / Seafood
• Method: Fried (or Air Fried / Simmered)
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired